LIBERTY — More than 45 vendors selling vintage clothing and home goods, vinyl records, toys and collectibles set up shop at the 22nd annual Ohio Vintage Fest at the Metroplex Expo Center on Sunday.

One shopper, who wished to remain anonymous, noted that the great thing about vintage fest is seeing all walks of life come through the door. There were teens shopping for cool clothes, adults taking a walk down memory lane and everything in between.

“Vivid Gypsy Goods” vendor owner Angela Kemec of Girard said this was her third time setting up shop at the Fest. In business since 2020, she said the COVID-19 years worked in her favor, as she started out as primarily an online store.

She does have a separate full-time job, but tries to schedule as many opportunities to sell her goods live as possible. Kemec’s interest in vintage decor and clothing stems from growing up listening to her parents’ music from the 1970s. She became interested in the era and was attracted to the bright colors and striking patterns that are typical of items from the ’70s.

“I have a love for old things, different things. My home is decorated in the style of the 1970’s,” Kemec said.

She goes to estate sales, thrift stores and garage sales to hunt down her wares.

Bela Joyce of Akron and proprietor of Buggin’ Butterfly also makes a point to go to other sales to acquire her goods. She often travels out of state with her mother, who helps out, or combines vacations with outings to hunt down vintage items. She also searches on Facebook Marketplace.

Sometimes, family heirlooms and treasures become part of her merchandise. She displayed a beautiful vintage purse from the 1940s that belonged to her grandmother. The purse was made of three different types of fabric — tweed, damaskine and velour — as well as bead work. The shop, which has a brick and mortar location in Northfield, has been in business for about a year.

Joyce’s love of vintage items was kindled by going to estate sales and thrift shops with her mother at an early age. She appreciates the quality of items made in bygone eras and loves talking to her customers about the history and background of items in which they are interested.

Thrifty Ponds vendor Willis Woolston, who said he is from “Indiana Land” because of his constant trekking around the state for vintage events — also noted the quality of material and fabric from earlier decades. He said selling vintage items can be more “ethical,” because of the quality.

Along with buttons, key chains, jewelry, figurines and clothing, he features “Mystery Bags” that customers can purchase. He sees the purchase of a Mystery Bag as the chance to discover something new about yourself. The bags, which contain what he calls “forgotten relics” are his most popular item.

Brittany Greer of Columbus manages Bin-There-Wore-That. She takes pride in learning the different likes of the different areas where she sells.

“Each city is interested in certain things. I like studying and tracking what sells in each area,” Greer said.

She noted that Youngstown is fond of the color black, the 70s and “loud” patterns. In contrast, she said Cuyahoga Falls leans toward linen and wool items. She feels fortunate that she can pursue her passion for selling vintage items full time and has been at it for seven years.

She proudly displayed her “most touched item,” a long 100% silk apricot, yellow and green jumpsuit from the 1970’s. She enjoys sharing back stories of items with her customers and loves their look of excitement when they find something they really want.

Vintage clothing shopper Justine Gallo of Kent was shopping for herself, but she also owns a shop in Kent called Sun in Leo. She said she appreciates the “timeless look,” of vintage clothing.

Wearing a striking vintage 1970s gothic dress and accessories was shopper Grace Bennett of Campbell.

“I like older styles and eccentric looks,” she said.

She noted that vintage clothing can be favored by Goths, which she described as a fun and interesting lifestyle that accentuates self-expression and being true to yourself.

Alexa Brick of Ulrichsville was sorting through a pile of vintage clothes. She said this was her second time at the Ohio Vintage Fest. She seeks out uniquely made styles and also appreciates the quality of vintage items.

“I love the festival. It’s just so good,” she said.